www.maderatribune.comServing the Heart of California since 1892http://www.maderatribune.com/node/3141/atom.xml2015-03-31T21:25:55+00:00http://www.maderatribune.com/news/coach-irate-over-increase-field-usage-fee2012-10-05T18:34:25+00:002012-10-08T18:34:41+00:00Coach irate over increase in field usage feewebmaster

Upset residents talked about what they said were ever-increasing fees to use city ballpark facilities Wednesday night, during the public comment portion of the regular city council meeting.

Six residents testified, and said the steady increases have become too expensive for most of the local softball teams, and the fees would force teams to practice and play elsewhere, or even reduce the number of teams, and probably the opportunities for residents to participate.

Ignacio Magos, who coaches a local women’s team called the Yotees, spoke for most of the group and said he had been organizing local ball teams for almost the last 30 years.

“A couple of years ago we were paying $40 a field, for a game — which we didn’t have a problem with. Now it’s up to $85, or more. Field fees, light fees, admin fees ... We already have to raise money for uniforms and equipment through sponsorships. The city has shifted too many of their costs on top of everyone else. The priority of what we are supposed to be doing out on those fields and for the community has been lost. ... I’d like to get back to that,” Magos said...